Cyclist hit, killed north of Weslaco

HIDALO COUNTY – A Donna resident is dead after being hit by a box truck as he rode a bike just north of Weslaco, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

DPS is currently investigating the fatal crash that left 47-year-old Gerardo Reyes Gonzalez Angeles dead.

At about 6:27 a.m. on Tuesday, Reyes was traveling northbound on the inside lane of FM 1015 north of Joe Olivarez Street and was approaching Ramiro Guerra Drive.

That was when a 2024 Ford E-450 box truck driven by a man, also traveling northbound behind Reyes, approached the cyclist and hit him, according to the release.

DPS did not immediately identify the driver of the box truck.

“The rider projected off the bicycle and onto the asphalt and sustained major injuries,” the release said.

Reyes was then transported to the Knapp Medical Center where he later died.

DPS troopers continue in their investigation.

Texas bicycle laws and personal injury cases

Bicycles are considered vehicles in the state of Texas, and cyclists are expected to follow most of the same rules of the road as automobile drivers. Cyclists also have to follow bicycle-specific rules which cover everything from safety equipment to the parts of the roadway where cyclists can or cannot ride their bikes.

Determining negligence is crucial. If the cyclist or the motorist involved in a collision violated any applicable laws, it will factor into determining liability. Here are a few examples:

Helmet use

Under Texas law, minors must wear helmets while riding bicycles. If a minor fails to do so and sustains injuries in an accident, this can be a significant factor in assessing their contributory negligence, potentially reducing the amount of compensation they receive.

Right of way

If a cyclist fails to yield the right of way to a motorist, it can impact the cyclist’s case. Similarly, if a motorist fails to yield the right of way to a cyclist, they could be held liable for the accident.

Comparative fault

Texas has a modified comparative fault system in tort law. This means that if both the cyclist and the motorist share fault for the accident, the damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

Navigating the legal landscape after a bicycle accident can be an intimidating process, but with legal representation from the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected and that you’ll receive the compensation you deserve.

Our dedicated and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys have the expertise and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of Texas laws, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a consultation via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/featured/2024/12/03/donna-man-riding-bicycle-hit-killed-in-crash-north-of-weslaco/